Should mass deletion of one's own posts be permitted?

[Laird]

I’d just like to confirm that this thread did not come about as a result of any complaints by me directly to you or Ninshub. I complained in open threads about deletions, but did not push for any action.

I was rather surprised when I heard about the poll.

Yes, fair enough, Steve. That's where the wriggle room in "kind of" comes into play...

Or maybe people will appeal to moderators (on behalf of the community) to have restrictions placed on willy-nilly deletions... which is kind of what's motivated this thread...

That can't be true. At no point prior to this thread did I suggest that my deletions were "willy-nilly" or frivolous. In fact, when asked, I specifically stated that I felt I had a responsibility to the forum and to myself, and that in this case the responsibility to myself outweighed that to the forum. That implies a measured decision, not something frivolous.

Well, that's the thing: it wouldn't be for you, it would be for the community as a whole. If it were for you (alone), we wouldn't bother, because presumably you know which judgements are in your own best interests.

So let me get this straight...you are not going to respect my decisions. You are going to make decisions for me, because "the community" takes precedence over individual rights.

Linda

[Ninshub]

@Laird. I'm a little worried for you, thinking what time it is right now in Australia. Shouldn't it be bedtime?

Yes, fair enough, Steve. That's where the wriggle room in "kind of" comes into play...

I don’t get what you mean here. Can you clarify please.

[Laird]

So let me get this straight...you are not going to respect my decisions.

The final outcome of this poll/thread is yet to be seen - at this point I'm (we're) not doing anything except thrashing out possibilities.

And again, there's another possible perspective. Re respect: what about your respect for other members and readers of this forum, whose experience you (now, at least) know is spoiled when threads lose their continuity and integrity due to mass deletion of posts from them?

[Laird]

I don’t get what you mean here. Can you clarify please.

Oh, "kind of" was a phrase I used in the post of mine which you quoted in your earlier post.

[Laird]

@Laird. I'm a little worried for you, thinking what time it is right now in Australia. Shouldn't it be bedtime?

Are you saying you're not going to respect my decision to stay up all night, Ian?

The final outcome of this poll/thread is yet to be seen - at this point I'm (we're) not doing anything except thrashing out possibilities.

I realize that. I was just clarifying that this possibility was on the table. That you fail to recognize the inappropriateness of this poll, even after seeing Chris' reaction to it, is disturbing.

And again, there's another possible perspective. Re respect: what about your respect for other members and readers of this forum, whose experience you (now, at least) know is spoiled when threads lose their continuity and integrity due to mass deletion of posts from them?

I already stated that my responsibility to the forum (and to be clear, I am specifically referring to my conversation with Brian, who I respect and who formed the bulk of any value in that thread) was part of the equation. So it is clear that even if I take into consideration my respect for other members and readers of this forum, the option remains that my decision will not be respected.

Linda

[Laird]

I already stated that my responsibility to the forum (and to be clear, I am specifically referring to my conversation with Brian, who I respect and who formed the bulk of any value in that thread) was part of the equation. So it is clear that even if I take into consideration my respect for other members and readers of this forum, the option remains that my decision will not be respected.

Oh. That doesn't tally so well with what you originally wrote to Steve regarding his concerns about the confusing effect of your mass deletions:

I don't care.

To me, that doesn't exactly scream "taking responsibility".

It seems to me this is such dicey ground that you either remove the option for us to delete our posts OR just allow anyone to delete their posts as they choose.

I would prefer to be able to delete posts as I choose, and I think it is a net benefit to everyone's mental health to have that option.